CONNECT THE DOTS Between Hormones & Mental Health

Premenstrual Disorders include Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) & Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME)
Today’s post will focus on PMDD. Keep an eye out for a future posts this month on PME.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder.
PMDD became an official diagnosis in the DSM-V as of 2013
An estimated 5.5% of women of reproductive age experience severe distress and dysfunction due to PMDD.
Symptoms arise between ovulation and menstruation, aka the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and subside within a few days of menstruation
PMDD is a severe negative reaction in the brain to the natural rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone.
Symptoms can worsen over time and/or around large fluctuations in hormones that occur during menarche, pregnancy, birth, miscarriage and peri menopause.

PMDD can have a severe impact on a woman’s functioning and well-being.
Some women experience damaging and impulsive behaviors (e.g. suddenly leaving a job or ending a relationship)
30% of those with PMDD will attempt suicide

The only way to diagnose PMDD is by tracking symptoms daily for at least two menstrual cycles
Symptoms of PMDD:
Significant mood/emotional changes (e.g. mood swings, feeling suddenly sad or tearful, increased sensitivity to rejection)
Irritability, anger, or increased interpersonal conflict
Depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, feeling worthless
Anxiety, tension or feeling of being keyed up or on edge
Decreased interest in usual activities (e.g. work, school, friends, hobbies)
Difficulties concentrating; brain fog
Tiredness or low-energy
Changes in appetite- food cravings, overeating or binge eating
Hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness) or insomnia
Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
Physical symptoms such as breast tenderness or swelling, joint or muscle pain, bloating or weight gain

** A diagnosis of PMDD requires the presence of at least five of these symptoms, one of which must be a “core emotional symptom” (listed in bold)